Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship
Offered by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
About This Scholarship
The Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship is a partnership between the Veterans of Foreign Wars — the nation's largest organization of combat veterans — and Sport Clips Haircuts, whose annual in-store fundraising campaign has raised over a million dollars per year for the program. The scholarship targets enlisted service members and veterans at the rank of E-5 or below, the group least likely to have significant education benefits accumulated.
Awards provide up to $5,000 per semester, paid directly to the school and restricted to tuition and fees, helping recipients finish degrees without piling on student loan debt. Applicants must have completed Basic Training and follow-on training, demonstrate financial need, and be enrolled or accepted in a VA-approved program at an accredited post-secondary institution.
The program runs two cycles per year: January 1 through April 30 for fall-semester funding, and August 1 through November 15 for spring-semester funding, with one scholarship per family per semester.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizen who is active duty, retired, honorably discharged, or a member of the National Guard or Reserve
- Separated with or currently holding a military rank of E-5 or below
- Completed Basic Training and follow-on training (AIT, A-School, or technical school)
- Demonstrated financial need and enrollment or acceptance in a VA-approved program at an accredited post-secondary institution
How To Apply
- Apply online through the VFW's Help A Hero portal (linked from vfw.org/assistance/student-veterans-support) during either cycle: Jan 1 - Apr 30 for fall or Aug 1 - Nov 15 for spring
- Provide service documentation showing rank and training completion plus proof of enrollment or acceptance
- Awards are paid directly to the school for tuition and fees and must be used in the award semester
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Help A Hero Scholarship limited to ranks E-5 and below?
The VFW and Sport Clips target junior enlisted service members and veterans because they typically have the fewest accumulated education benefits and the greatest financial need when pursuing a degree.
Can I receive the scholarship more than once?
The award is made per semester and limited to one scholarship per family per semester, but past recipients may apply again in future cycles as long as they remain eligible.